A. R. (Rex) Bergstrom can reasonably be regarded as the "father" of modern econometrics in New Zealand. He made seminal contributions to continuous-time econometrics and the finite-sample properties of simultaneous equations estimators. He also taught and inspired a generation of young econometricians.
You can read Peter Phillips' 1988 "ET Interview" with Rex here.
Rex's contributions are recognized by a biennial award, named in his honour. Applications and nominations for the 11th A. R. Bergstrom Prize are now being solicited: